Take me away from here,
Take me somewhere where love is like breathing,
I don't care where we go...
Long as I'm there with you, baby.
-John Legend
tipping etiquette
It's been awhile, but I finally went to get my nails done today, in preparation for the wedding this weekend in Toronto. It was so relaxing, and I'm glad I went!
When I paid the woman who did my nails and told her she could keep the change as a tip, she looked at me with a smile and said, "Thank you so much." Twice. It led me to believe that no one really tips when they get their nails done at that salon.
After working in restaurants for a couple years, I began to realize how important tips are. Now I give about 15%-20% of my bill each time because I hate to see the waiters, stylists, drivers - whoever it may be - get upset.
All too often though, I see that people don't really know how to give tips. They'll give just 10% or under, even when their service is outstanding. Here are some tips I've conjured up from around the web about proper tipping etiquette (not for all services, but this is a great starting point!):
When I paid the woman who did my nails and told her she could keep the change as a tip, she looked at me with a smile and said, "Thank you so much." Twice. It led me to believe that no one really tips when they get their nails done at that salon.
After working in restaurants for a couple years, I began to realize how important tips are. Now I give about 15%-20% of my bill each time because I hate to see the waiters, stylists, drivers - whoever it may be - get upset.
Photo by SoundsGood
All too often though, I see that people don't really know how to give tips. They'll give just 10% or under, even when their service is outstanding. Here are some tips I've conjured up from around the web about proper tipping etiquette (not for all services, but this is a great starting point!):
- Dinner at a full service restaurant: 15%-20%
- Bartender: 15%-20% of entire bill, or $1 per drink
- Coat check: $1 (unless it's free)
- Valet parking: $2 per car
- Manicurist: 15%-20% of the entire bill
- Hair stylist: 15% or more (if they did an amazing job or cut your hair in a complicated style) of the entire bill
- Facialist: 15%
Toronto
I'm heading to Toronto this weekend with my family. It's going to be a long drive...5 people in a Ford Taurus for 12 hours?
We're going because my cousin is having her wedding on Sunday. It's been a while since we've been to Toronto to visit them - I can't remember much about the last time we went. My only vivid memory from that trip is stomping on the glass floor at the top of the CN Tower.
Of course, I want to go back to the CN Tower, see downtown Toronto, and visit other main attractions in the city. The problem is that our family lives in a suburb right outside Toronto, so transportation isn't at an easy reach. Also, my family and I are driving through the night to arrive in the morning, so they might not be up for sight-seeing.
Because I studied abroad in Mexico and have traveled to other places, I've become more independent. If my family doesn't want to go sight-seeing in Toronto with me, I'd rather just go alone. Sometimes I prefer it that way anyways. For me, it really is relaxing and liberating to explore a new place on my own.
I can't wait to see the city again. If you've been to Toronto, what would attractions would you suggest that I see?
We're going because my cousin is having her wedding on Sunday. It's been a while since we've been to Toronto to visit them - I can't remember much about the last time we went. My only vivid memory from that trip is stomping on the glass floor at the top of the CN Tower.
Photo by Ricardo Carreon
Of course, I want to go back to the CN Tower, see downtown Toronto, and visit other main attractions in the city. The problem is that our family lives in a suburb right outside Toronto, so transportation isn't at an easy reach. Also, my family and I are driving through the night to arrive in the morning, so they might not be up for sight-seeing.
Because I studied abroad in Mexico and have traveled to other places, I've become more independent. If my family doesn't want to go sight-seeing in Toronto with me, I'd rather just go alone. Sometimes I prefer it that way anyways. For me, it really is relaxing and liberating to explore a new place on my own.
Photo by ~EvidencE~
I can't wait to see the city again. If you've been to Toronto, what would attractions would you suggest that I see?
dull
When I was walking in to the office this morning, I was following this girl who was wearing a business skirt that was the color of yellow butternut squash - this color:
And then I looked down at my outfit. A grey, high-waisted pencil skirt from Express, a satiny black short-sleeved top from New York $ Company, and a pair of black Nine West pumps. What did I wear yesterday? I'm sad to admit...grey business pants, a plain black top, and the same pair of black Nine West pumps.
The colors of my work clothes are so drab and neutral! Black, white, grey, brown, light blue. It's almost August, and I feel like (welll, actually, I know) I'm still dressing in the dark colors of winter.
Whatever happened to wearing brighter colors? My internship is almost over, so it's not like I need to buy new business clothes, but I wish I could jazz it up a little. Color is never a problem in my every-day clothing, but obviously my business clothes are quite different. What is your favorite outfit to wear to the office?
The colors of my work clothes are so drab and neutral! Black, white, grey, brown, light blue. It's almost August, and I feel like (welll, actually, I know) I'm still dressing in the dark colors of winter.
Whatever happened to wearing brighter colors? My internship is almost over, so it's not like I need to buy new business clothes, but I wish I could jazz it up a little. Color is never a problem in my every-day clothing, but obviously my business clothes are quite different. What is your favorite outfit to wear to the office?
starbucks
It's interesting to compare the difference between the individual locations of a chain restuarant. Today, I went to the Starbucks on Washington Ave. with my fellow intern for lunch. I've always loved Starbucks (any Starbucks), but I must say that this has become my new favorite.
The people who work there are so kind, the interior design is relaxing, and the music is perfect. They played "In a Sentimental Mood" by Duke Ellingtion and John Coltrane--my favorite version of the jazz standard--as I walked out. I think that was a sign that I have to go back!
What is your favorite place to get coffee?
The people who work there are so kind, the interior design is relaxing, and the music is perfect. They played "In a Sentimental Mood" by Duke Ellingtion and John Coltrane--my favorite version of the jazz standard--as I walked out. I think that was a sign that I have to go back!
photo by Elena777
What is your favorite place to get coffee?
dreams
I consider it very disappointing that I never remember my dreams. Until I see or do something that subconsciously reminds me of what I dreamed about, I won't know if I've had a dream. Because of this, I'm always been under the impression that I don't ever dream. I know that isn't true.
Those dreams you have while you sleep at night--those aren't the ones that matter the most though. The dreams that really matter are the ones you create, the ones you aspire to fulfill, the ones that you turn into goals. Those are the most powerful ones. Those are the ones that will take you the furthest. In that sense, I know I've had my share of dreams, and they've taken me far.
What's your dream?
Those dreams you have while you sleep at night--those aren't the ones that matter the most though. The dreams that really matter are the ones you create, the ones you aspire to fulfill, the ones that you turn into goals. Those are the most powerful ones. Those are the ones that will take you the furthest. In that sense, I know I've had my share of dreams, and they've taken me far.
What's your dream?
Nothing happens unless we first dream....So don't ever stop dreaming.
-Carl Sandburg
passion
A close friend once told me that it's important to have passion in your life. He wasn't talking about the love-you-have-for-a-person kind of passion, but rather passion for something you do.
For example, his passion is music--playing the piano and singing. One of my closest girl friends has a passion for traveling. Another one of my friends has a passion for dancing. My passion used to be music; to be more specific, my passion used to be singing.
But when I had the conversation with my close friend about passion, I realized that I didn't have one. At that time, the importance of singing in my life had diminished - it wasn't my passion anymore.
After a couple of years, it seems that I've finally found my passion, thanks to my internship. I'm glad I've found something to be passionate about again. What is my passion?
Writing.
What's your passion? Let me know - just leave a comment.
For example, his passion is music--playing the piano and singing. One of my closest girl friends has a passion for traveling. Another one of my friends has a passion for dancing. My passion used to be music; to be more specific, my passion used to be singing.
But when I had the conversation with my close friend about passion, I realized that I didn't have one. At that time, the importance of singing in my life had diminished - it wasn't my passion anymore.
After a couple of years, it seems that I've finally found my passion, thanks to my internship. I'm glad I've found something to be passionate about again. What is my passion?
Writing.
Photo by Baby Bichon
What's your passion? Let me know - just leave a comment.
"If you want to be successful in a particular field of endeavor, I think perseverance is one of the key qualities. It's very important that you find something that you care about, that you have a deep passion for, because you're going to have to devote a lot of your life to it."-George Lucas
best lunch break ever
Usually, I eat my lunch at my desk. Today though, I decided to switch it up a little. Why? Because:
Let me just say that it brightened my mood. It was a beautiful day downtown, I enjoyed watching the children playing in the fountains, and I loved looking at the sculptures. I'll be sure to go back.
- I needed a break from looking at the computer screen
- Someone was working on the Mac next to my PC. Let's just say I got a litle claustrophobic...
Photo from dishfunctional
Let me just say that it brightened my mood. It was a beautiful day downtown, I enjoyed watching the children playing in the fountains, and I loved looking at the sculptures. I'll be sure to go back.
it comes along with love
I'm scared of walking out of this room and never feeling the rest of my whole life, the way I feel when I'm with you.
I love this movie, and when she says this...it's my favorite part. You never forget that feeling, the fear that you're going to lose someone you love. Have you ever felt that way?
hello
I've had my blog Noteworthy Memorandums for a pretty long time. I used to use it for a variety of things--serious topics, personal thoughts and complaints, pictures, and more. Just last week though, I decided to use it for a specific kind of post: a more serious one with debate on current events.
It took only about a week of writing those kinds of posts until I realized that I miss writing shorter, more informal entries about my life like I used to.
And that is what this blog is for--writing about my life, my interests, my obsessions, my favorite things, my personal goals and thoughts...
So here I am. Check back with me often. I'd love to hear from you!
It took only about a week of writing those kinds of posts until I realized that I miss writing shorter, more informal entries about my life like I used to.
And that is what this blog is for--writing about my life, my interests, my obsessions, my favorite things, my personal goals and thoughts...
So here I am. Check back with me often. I'd love to hear from you!
